Jerico

Jerico is a small town in Antioquia. It is part of Colombia's Network of Heritage Towns (Pueblos Patrimonio), which is a collection of 17 destinations characterized by having a distinctive architecture, native culture, its own cuisine, natural environment, and for preserving part of the history and development of the country.

Sculpture of a griffin, carved from basalt, in Jerico

Get in

From Medellín: 3-hr direct buses from south terminal

From the south (Salento/Armenia/Pereira): bus to La Pintada then either direct chiva to Jerico or mototaxi/tuk tuk to Puente Iglesias and local bus to Jerico

From Jardin: local bus to Andes (25 min, COP$10,000) and then 3-hr chiva to Jerico (7AM and 2PM, 3 hours, COP$20,000).

See

• Museum of Anthropology and Arts of Jericó Antioquia (El Museo de Antropología y Artes de Jericó Antioquia (MAJA)). A group of three museums: 1. Museo Casa Jose Tomas Uribe Abad: The collection is exhibited in a heritage house in Jericó, known as "Casa de las Espinal". 2. Museo Casa de la Musica: It contains a collection of about 170 musical instruments. 3. Museo Anthropology and Art: Art and archaeology from the local region. COP$3,000 for single museum, COP$6,000 for all. (updated Dec 2023)

Our Lady of Mercy episcopal cathedral

• Our Lady of Mercy episcopal cathedral (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes), carrera sexta con calle séptima # 6-60. 
• Visit one of the many carriel workshops and watch a local artisan making these traditional bags

Do

• Hike up Los Nubes. This short hike (2- to 3-hr round-trip) offers beautiful views over Jerico and the valley behind which is often obscured by clouds. Go early in the morning for the best weather.
• Drink coffee (or beer) at one of the many cafes and bars on the main square. The people watching in Jerico is hard to beat.
• Visit a local coffee farm and learn about the coffee process from picking the cherries to brewing methods.